Rear door
- Thread starter Kingugo
- Start date
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SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
so you have options. some like the closed cargo space with solid doors. some like that you can drop a tailgate and carry full size 4x8 construction sheets with out having having doors open to the side. it is a sport utility vehicle after all.
foreverfalcon40
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Barn doors for the win...open wide!
Kingugo
TYF Newbie
Yep,
but it was a specific version or a customer choose ??
but it was a specific version or a customer choose ??
SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
both consumer and dealer ordering option. dealers would order several of each with other options packaged for their demographics.
Donnie Yukonie
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ive always been undecided which was better i like both but yes what sun said like always lol
SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
barn doors also have more structure support and latching points.
bowtiefreak
No Quarter
I have one of each. both have advantages.
Donnie Yukonie
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plz tell me the burban has barn?
noJeepshere
Full Access Member
Will that give you a hard-on for his 'burb?I've driven both barn door and tailgate Suburbans and Tahoes, I like the barn doors for their utility and ease of access into the cargo hold. But I don't like that the pillar blocks the rear view in the mirror. And I've been known to clock my head on the top corner of the door a time or two... owww... I like the looks of the tailgate much, much more, a lot cleaner lines, Plus the fact that you get to have a rear wiper, which is handy. But the tailgate part is a bit annoying when you want to get into the cargo area, as it effectively makes your reach nearly two feet shorter.
IMO, the best of both worlds would be the barn/gate that the Astro had:
http://ipocars.com/imgs/a/b/i/w/y/chevrolet__astro_lt_awd_2000_3_lgw.jpg
I think with some fabrication work it wouldn't be too hard to make the same thing for a 'burb/Tahoe/Yukon.
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SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
the burb is barned.
Donnie Yukonie
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redaddiction
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I have both and I could go either way. Unless is if for traveling and then I like the barn doors.
I've had both, the 95' was barn door and the 99' I have now has the tailgate.
The biggest advantages I saw to the barn doors was ease of access and added strength.
Disadvantages were:
The hold open straps/latches broke easily and were expensive to replace, $45apiece at the dealership, the cheap ones on Ebay were worse than junk, they were made of soft metal instead of spring metal.
As someone else mentioned the center post was annoying when using the rearview mirror.
And, this is just my personal opinion but, the barn doors look more soccer mom'ish than sporty.
The advantages of the tailgate are:
The sporty, K5 blazer look.
The mechanisms that operate the glass and the gate have held together well.
Good visability when using the rear view mirror.
The extra length of the tailgate to haul stuff on when left open.
The only disadvantage for me is:
Ease of access with a 6" lift, I'm 6'4" tall and I still can't reach all the way in standing on the ground when the tailgate up.
This isn't a fault of GM or the tailgate, but something to keep in mind, the aftermarket alarm system (K9 Classic) that the previous owner had installed does not have a button on the clicker to open the back glass, only door lock/unlock buttons. I have to open the drivers side door and reach inside to unlatch the back glass or carry two clickers.
The biggest advantages I saw to the barn doors was ease of access and added strength.
Disadvantages were:
The hold open straps/latches broke easily and were expensive to replace, $45apiece at the dealership, the cheap ones on Ebay were worse than junk, they were made of soft metal instead of spring metal.
As someone else mentioned the center post was annoying when using the rearview mirror.
And, this is just my personal opinion but, the barn doors look more soccer mom'ish than sporty.
The advantages of the tailgate are:
The sporty, K5 blazer look.
The mechanisms that operate the glass and the gate have held together well.
Good visability when using the rear view mirror.
The extra length of the tailgate to haul stuff on when left open.
The only disadvantage for me is:
Ease of access with a 6" lift, I'm 6'4" tall and I still can't reach all the way in standing on the ground when the tailgate up.
This isn't a fault of GM or the tailgate, but something to keep in mind, the aftermarket alarm system (K9 Classic) that the previous owner had installed does not have a button on the clicker to open the back glass, only door lock/unlock buttons. I have to open the drivers side door and reach inside to unlatch the back glass or carry two clickers.
Had both, hate the fact that on both types you can't open the doors or tailgate window from inside (back)......as in if you are camping or sleeping in back.
I understand though that people's kiddies would be splatterd on the highway.
I understand though that people's kiddies would be splatterd on the highway.
Marc, my 99' 2DR has a button in the inside back next to the back glass on the passenger side that's labeled "Unlock". I haven't closed myself inside yet to see what it does. Evidently its to open the back glass in case you were locked inside but I'm not sure. I'll have to try it or look in the owners manual to see what its for.
Maybe there is a possibility of splattered kiddies or camping/sleeping in the back, whichever seems most useful.
noJeepshere
Full Access Member
It's for the door locks, operates just like the one on the drivers door armrest.
SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
They never outback rear switch option on four doors tho. Bummer.
So it should unlock the tailgate handle, but does it unlatch the back glass? Maybe I'll lock one of my grandkids up in the back and see if they can get out.
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noJeepshere
Full Access Member
So it should unlock the tailgate handle, but does it unlatch the back glass? Maybe I'll lock one of my grandkids up in the back and see if they can get out.
Nope it don't, tried that years ago on one of my many trips between here and Alaska. Had to use the side door to get in and out.
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